AGRICULTURE CAN ENHANCE OUR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – AMOSUN

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun says agriculture remain one of the vital options that can enhance the socio-economic development of Nigeria if necessary attention is given to it.

Amosun made this known at the third edition of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum (NZHF), an initiative of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, held at Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga said that a well-fed and healthy citizenry would not only be easy to govern, but also contribute immensely to the socio-economic development agenda of government.

He maintained that in order to achieve a zero tolerance against hunger, all Nigerian Governors must continue to support the initiative, just as Ogun State has done with the launch of MITROS RICE in Abeokuta late last year, adding that, Improved Agricultural Production, remained one of his administration’s cardinal programmes to rebuild the State.

In their different submissions, Governors of Benue, Ebonyi, Kebbi and Sokoto States, commended the NZHF initiative, saying, in less than a year, the zero hunger agenda was already having a positive impact on food security in their States.

Speaking earlier, the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who emphasised the essence of the forum as a place where Governors would give progress reports on efforts made towards addressing hunger in their various States, added that it would engendered healthy competitions among the States with a view to achieving food security for Nigeria.

They maintained that the initiative through its review mechanism has brought a renewed vigour and zeal to the agricultural sectors with more commitment by participating States, commending the Federal government for its support to the States’ agricultural programmes.